To improve some of the worst metropolitan air quality in the world, India will outlaw the use of diesel autorickshaws in areas surrounding the capital city of Delhi. The government order is rickshaws on greener fuels or changing them for electric rickshaws.
Over the past few years, India’s fleet of electric rickshaws has increased quickly and is currently getting close to two million. Some experts believe that the domestic electric push could serve as an example for other developing nations.
No more diesel-powered rickshaws starting from 2023
Having this in mind, a government agency announced that beginning on January 1, no new diesel-powered rickshaws will be registered. The order will be in power in the areas surrounding the capital in the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Only autorickshaws powered by electricity or compressed natural gas will be permitted to operate in the area starting in 2027, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.
Due to traffic pollution, building dust, and crop stubble burning in neighboring states, Delhi is the most polluted capital city in the world. Its 20 million residents essentially breathe smoke on most winter days.
Rickshaws are inexpensive transportation, electric rickshaws will be more inexpensive
Tuk-tuks often referred to as autorickshaws in certain other nations are a typical and inexpensive mode of transportation in India. In New Delhi, electric rickshaws are a common sight on the streets. As they wait for passengers, they frequently compete for space outside crowded places.
However, the government claims that diesel-powered rickshaws are to blame for the poor air quality in Indian cities. That can cause respiratory illnesses and negatively affect people who already have certain conditions. Thus, soon diesel-powered rickshaws have to be switched to electric rickshaws. It will be good for the air quality in huge Indian cities. But also it will be good business for the electric rickshaw producers.
Best electric rickshaws manufacturers
Major auto rickshaw manufacturers in India include Bajaj Auto, Atul Auto Limited, Oculus Auto, Kerala Automobiles Limited, Force Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Piaggio Ape, TVS Motors, and Fleek Motors.
According to one of the insurance companies, the best electric rickshaw are:
- Mahindra Treo | Mileage- 130-170 km/Charge
- Lohia Narain DX |Mileage- 140 km/Charge
- Lohia Comfort F2F |Mileage- 140 km/Charge
- Kinetic Safar Smart |Mileage- 130 km/Charge
- Atul Elite Plus |Mileage- 80 -100 km/Charge
Therefore, India’s auto-rickshaws will switch to electricity. The government’s campaign against pollution will open up new markets for domestic and international producers and service providers. People and small loads will be transported by compact vehicles.
Local automaker Mahindra & Mahindra is first on the list above when discussing rickshaws for light loads because it has already released a light-cargo type. Last month, Mahindra Electric Mobility debuted a $1,920 vehicle that can transport loads up to 310 kg.
These kinds of vehicles are not allowed on major thoroughfares. But they are ideal for narrow lanes in highly populated residential neighborhoods. According to Mahindra Electric Mobility CEO Suman Mishra, electric rickshaws would gain ground in last-mile delivery due to their lower fuel costs.
Switching to electric rickshaws offers many opportunities
Additionally, the opportunities extend beyond the actual vehicles.
A financial services division was established by Japanese electric three-wheeler manufacturer Terra Motors in July to provide minor loans to Indians looking to become taxi drivers. Recently, it also partnered with a microfinance organization in Gujarat state.
As early as the middle of this year, Honda Motor plans to open a battery rental and switching business in Bengaluru. Lithium-ion batteries are rented. They are rented by auto-rickshaw business owners for a usage-based price.
India is the largest three-wheeler market in the world
India, the largest three-wheeler market in the world, is also the largest market for motorbikes. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, over 700,000 rickshaws are sold in the fiscal year 2018, which concluded in March 2019.
Sales plunged to 210,000 vehicles in fiscal 2020 amid pandemic lockdowns, down roughly 70% on the year, following a slight dip in fiscal 2019. The amount for the fiscal year 2021 is essentially the same. However, electric vehicle sales, which, according to a local think group, reach approximately 100,000 vehicles, are a shining example.
Due to safety concerns, electric three-wheelers first were only allowed on private roads. They were produced by smaller manufacturers and Chinese firms. However, since 2015, regulatory developments have encouraged significant businesses, like Mahindra, to enter the market.